Overview: The Dementia Friendly Communities project was officially launched in the S.W Calgary Westhills communities of Signal Hill, Strathcona, Christie Park and Aspen in February 2017; and in the town of Okotoks in June 2017. The two-and-a-half year project is being led by The Brenda Strafford Foundation, with funding support from the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, and Alberta Innovates. The main goals of a Dementia Friendly Community are to:

Build community capacity to support individuals to age-in-place and remain in the community for as long as possible,

Raise awareness of dementia with the aim to reduce stigma.

The project includes the development of a toolkit designed to enable sustainability and support the growth of Dementia Friendly Communities throughout Alberta. Through extensive consultation, the themes of Education, Community Resources and Communications/Public Awareness have been established as the Key Focus Areas for implementation within the Calgary Westhills community.

Business EngagementA Dementia Friendly training program has been developed to provide education to interested businesses and organizations in Calgary Westhills. The 45 minute training program includes information on definitions of dementia, symptoms, risk reduction strategies, tips for creating a dementia friendly environment and information on local resources. To date, organizations taking part in phase one of the program include Signature Drug Store, ATB Bank, Rundle College, Swiss Chalet, Good Earth and First Lutheran Church. Plans are underway to expand to further businesses and organizations in phase two, in the fall of 2017. If you are interested in finding out more about the training program for your business, contact Emma Richardson (details listed below).

Public Education EventA general public education event will be held at the First Lutheran Church, 7102 14 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4G7, on Saturday October 14, 2017, 2-4 p.m. The purpose of the event will be to:

Share the work of the local community in creating a Dementia Friendly Community

Provide information on how to support members of the community who may have dementia

Showcase art work created by individuals with dementia in the Opening Minds through Art program

Share information on opportunities available for those who would like to volunteer in the Dementia Friendly Communities program